At community meeting, some residents call it a bold step, others fear it'll drive away business

Some called it a bold and necessary step toward improving the environment.

"We support 100 percent the idea of reducing disposable bags in the city," said Ron Fleckman, Evanston resident and member of the group Citizens' Greener Evanston. "We believe a good idea is one that's good for the environment and good for business."

Others feared its potential for driving businesses and consumers out of the city.

"We in the business applaud wanting to reduce litter," said Mike Sullivan, an Evanston resident who works for a plastic bag manufacturer. "But we believe there are unintended consequences without exploring the full situation."

Last month, city officials floated the idea of banning paper and plastic disposable shopping bags in the city. Officials said that if passed, Evanston would be the first community in Illinois to outlaw the pervasive bags — joining just a few other places in the nation.

City officials estimate Evanston residents use about 25 million plastic bags each year and contribute to the destruction of about 3,500 trees annually through their paper bag consumption.

Supporters of the ban said it would improve the quality of life for residents and would encourage other municipalities to follow Evanston's lead.

But opponents countered that the ban could harm Evanston's many small businesses. Instead, they suggested encouraging bag recycling programs and voluntary reductions in disposable bag use.